A trademark (popularly known as brand name) is a visual symbol used by any person/organisation as an identity of goods or services or other articles that distinguishes it from others. A Trademark may be a word signature, name, device, label, numerals or combination of colours.

Trademark registration provide an exclusive rights to use trademark under the categories they are registered in. Owner of the trademark can sue for damages when infringements of trademarks occur.

The selected mark should be capable of being represented graphically (that is in the paper form).
It should be capable of distinguishing the goods or services of one undertaking from those of others.

Any person who is using or want to use trademark for goods or services or other articles to make it distingished from other can apply for trademark registration. Application of trademark should be in writing in prescribed manner for registration. The application should contain the trademark, the goods/services, name and address of applicant and agent (if any) with power of attorney, the period of use of the mark.

The applications can be submitted personally at the Front Office Counter of the respective office or can be sent by post. These can also be filed on line through the e-filing gateway available at the official website.

There are numerous benefits of registering a trademark. Registering a trademark heightens the protection it receives, prevent from others using your trademark, and owner of the trademark can sue for damages when infringements of trademarks occur. Some of the other benefits of getting trademark registration are:

• Registering a trademark protects a company’s name or logo, which is often a company’s most valuable asset
• Registering a trademark grants the trademark owner exclusive nationwide ownership of the mark
  Use of the ® symbol sends a powerful message to potential copycats and customers alike
• Trademark registration is essential if you want your business, brand, product or service to stand out from the crowd.
• Owner of the trademark can sue for damages when infringements of trademarks occur.
• Registered trademarks can be used to create a sense of trust, goodwill and quality in the minds of your customer